Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia (Perhilitan) have defended their use of puppies as live bait to capture a black panther, after non-profit animal rights organisation Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM) protested against their actions.

Last month, Sinar Harian reported that the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia (Perhilitan) managed to capture a wild black panther in Kampung Ulu Beting, Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan by using three puppies as live bait for a week. Farmers in the village had been terrified after spotting the panther near their home. Prior to the wild animal being caught, the guard dogs of a family of four had been mauled by the black panther.

Animal Rights Organisation Protests

This caused SAFM to question their use of the puppies with the following Instagram post, stating “At this time, the use of puppies as bait by PERHILITAN officers has become an issue which involves humanitarian aspects. It would be more moral and ethical to use animal meat such as goats, chicken, cos, or turkey as bait to capture the panther rather than live puppies.”

“Today, the live puppies became victims, tomorrow, they might use stray cats instead. These actions raise questions about the thinking and justifications of the officers involved who seem willing to kill stray animals to protect others. “

A post shared by Malaysian Animal Organization (@animal.org.my)

Twitter Users Weigh In

The issue also became viral on X (Twitter), when Twitter user @itsybitsymin shared the post by the organisation. Other users weighed in their thoughts about the issue:

One said, “There are so many chickens at the market, but they still used dogs.”

Another took a rather extreme view of things, saying, “Why did they use young animals? Try taking convicted rapists, molesters, and paedophiles in jail as bait so that at least they have a function in society. Them sitting in jail is just a waste of rice.”

A user said, “No, honestly, can we report this?? This is animal cruelty!”

Another was of the following opinion, “What is the difference between using a chicken and a dog? Is it because chickens aren’t cute?”

PERHILITAN Defends its Actions

Negeri Sembilan Chief Minister Dato' Seri Haji Aminuddin Harun has taken to Facebook to detail the chronology of the events that led to the capture of the panther. He said that PERHILITAN had first received a complaint about the panther mauling the guard dogs of farmers on 4 September.

PERHILITAN managed to capture three panthers on 18 & 27 September, and 1 October after surveying the area and setting a trap. The animals were treated and released into the thick forest away from civilisation. The panthers who still needed treatment were sent to a wildlife facility in Perak.

As reported by the Associated Press, the department explained that they resorted to using puppies after earlier attempts to lure the panthers with a goat failed.

PERHILITAN Director Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim elaborated that it was standard procedure to use live animals and noted the puppies were not physically harmed in the process. Abdul Kadir explained that the trap, a cage with a separate compartment to hold the puppies, is able to swiftly release the canines once the panther is caught.

“In this particular case, there was (an) indication that the panther had attacked dogs (before), so we used the puppies for their barking and scent to attract the panther, he told Free Malaysia Today. This news has also caught the attention of international media such as FOX news.

Image credit: @animal.org.my, facebook.com/dsaminuddinharun?locale=ms_MY